Five Tips for the First-Time Vegan

Going vegan is fun, affordable, and delicious. But it’s a big change in lifestyle—and making the transition may be a little bumpy for some. It gets much easier, we promise. Until veganism becomes second nature, though, here are some tips that will help smooth the way.

Take it Easy

While we’re both “cold turkey” vegans (we pretty much ditched animal products overnight), we know that route can be unappetizing—and scary—to some. So if it’s more your style to take things slowly, we totally advocate easing into the regimen. Try going vegan a few days a week, or start by eliminating one or two things—say, dairy and eggs. A few weeks later, lose the red meat and poultry. Then gradually work your way into becoming a full-fledged plant eater.

Expand Your Palate

Although we considered ourselves adventuresome eaters, we discovered a world of new menu items once going vegan. So if you’ve never tried nutritional yeast, tempeh, or quinoa, be prepared for a wonderful gastronomic experience. Try keeping an open mind and vow to experiment. You’re about to encounter delicious vegetables (kale! mustard greens!), amazing grains (popped sorghum, anyone?), and fun spices (saffron! curry!). Pledge to try at least one new food a week and see how it goes. 

Give Yourself a Break

Uh, oh. You caved to a buttercream-frosted cupcake. Are you doomed to failure? Will the vegan police hunt you down?
Nope… you’re just human. Welcome to our world! While we’re darn good vegans, we’re not perfect, either. And because we choose this lifestyle for health reasons, we may allow ourselves the occasional small breach. (Sorry but, if there’s a buttercream-frosted cupcake in the vicinity, Lisa must have a bite. And just try holding Amy back from a nibble of chocolate anything.) If you choose veganism for ethical reasons—or if you’re a heart patient—such allowances may not be acceptable to you. But anyone can fall off the wagon, either knowingly or unknowingly. Just get over it and hop back in the saddle.

Find Good Substitutes

Whether it’s milk, cheese, or ice cream you can’t live without—you don’t have to. There are delicious vegan replacements for almost anything you can think of. Love cream in your coffee? Try soy- or coconut-based creamer. Craving alfredo sauce? Our cashew cream recipe is to-die-for delicious. And if you can’t end a meal without a bowl of ice cream, there are scores of non-dairy options—made from soy, almond, coconut, and fruit—that will hit your sweet spot.

Promote Diversity

To get the biggest bang for your nutrient buck, be sure to eat a wide variety of foods. A diverse and colorful diet will help you meet your vitamin, mineral, and protein needs. Put these on the menu:

• Fruits and vegetables of every color – red, green, purple, orange, white, yellow, and pink
• Legumes – including beans, peas, and lentils
• Grains – such as brown and wild rice, quinoa, barley, oats, and wheat berries 
• Whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals (scrutinize labels for fats, dairy, and eggs)
• Nuts – walnuts, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts
• Seeds  – sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame, and chia

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